Two oil tankers were targeted by unknown projects in the Strait of Hormuz, and a Panama-flagged cargo ship named Ocean Molica was disabled by the United States Air Force on October 10, 2026. These events occur amid significantly heightened tensions in the region.
Attacks on Oil Tankers and Cargo Ships
According to reports, an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile on October 10 around 1920 UTC on its starboard side. This attack resulted in a fire on the ship, but fortunately, none of the crew members were harmed. On October 11, a similar incident was reported for another oil tanker that was also attacked on its starboard side. These two attacks clearly indicate an increasing risk for commercial vessels in the region.
U.S. Operations and Imposing Sanctions
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that on October 10, an American fighter jet attacked the cargo ship Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman. This ship attempted to violate the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran after ignoring repeated warnings. The attack disabled the ship's engine but did not harm the crew. This incident marks the fourth case of commercial vessels being disabled since the start of the U.S. maritime blockade on July 14.
In this context, CENTCOM reported the return of 135 commercial ships and the destruction of 10 oil tankers linked to the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These actions are part of U.S. efforts to prevent maritime trade with Iran.
New Dangers for Commercial Vessels
Recent attacks on oil tankers and commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz highlight the increasing threats present in this region. Ships must contend with risks from Iranian attacks as well as actions that may be taken by U.S. forces. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of receiving VHF broadcasts to leave anchorage sites near Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, as well as an incident involving an oil tanker and military forces in the Gulf of Oman.
Read more: Explosion of Super Tanker Carrying Crude Oil in the Strait of Hormuz
